Liverpool edged out Girona with a 1-0 victory in their Champions League group stage match on December 10, 2024. The match, held at Girona’s home ground, saw Liverpool maintain their perfect record in the group, winning all six of their matches.
Match Highlights
The only goal of the match came in the 63rd minute when Mohamed Salah converted a penalty. This goal not only secured the win for Liverpool but also marked a significant milestone in Salah’s career, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most prolific forwards in Europe .
The first half was a tactical battle, with both teams struggling to create clear chances. Liverpool’s defensive line, led by Virgil van Dijk, stood firm, while Girona’s attempts to counter-attack were largely contained. The breakthrough came after a foul inside Girona’s box, leading to the penalty that Salah coolly slotted home .
Key Players and Tactical Setup
Liverpool deployed a 4-3-3 formation, with Alisson in goal and a defensive line consisting of Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, and Robertson. The midfield trio of Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, and Curtis Jones controlled the tempo of the match, while the front three of Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Luis Díaz provided attacking firepower .
On the Girona side, the team played a 4-3-2-1 formation. Yaser Asprilla and Arnaut Danjuma tried to break down Liverpool’s defense but were unable to convert their efforts into goals .
Substitutions and Key Moments
Liverpool manager Arne Slot made several key substitutions, bringing on Cody Gakpo, Harvey Elliott, and Wataru Endo to freshen up the squad. Meanwhile, Girona’s manager also made changes, introducing Cristhian Stuani and Ivan Martin in an attempt to turn the tide of the match. However, Liverpool’s disciplined defense and smart game management saw them see out the win .
What’s Next?
With this win, Liverpool tops their Champions League group and advances to the knockout stages with maximum points. Girona, on the other hand, exits the competition with just one win from their six group stage matches. Liverpool’s focus will now shift back to their domestic league campaign, where they aim to maintain their strong form .
This win highlights Liverpool’s tactical discipline and the continued brilliance of Mohamed Salah, whose goal-scoring exploits remain crucial to the team’s success.